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I'm researching day care slots for my 17 month old son from a distance (moving to Durham this summer!) so would greatly appreciate any feedback on Bryson Montessori on University Ave in Durham. I'm a little uncomfortable that it has religious-based programming, but I wasn't sure what that really meant (especially for a montessori school). Any thoughts on montessori generally? I figured that my son is young enough that a less-structured curriculum isn't that big of a deal...
I know someone who enrolled their 3 year old and after the first day there pulled her out. Sounds like there was little supervision, few books, and there was no structure whatsoever. They understood clearly what Montessori was- and that was not the issue. Sounds like children were wandering around aimlessly doing next to nothing. Hope others have had better experiences.
jjsh, i'm going to pm you. I have my daughter in that EXACT daycare now, and I am switching her to Primrose in Hope Valley for the reasons listed above, and MANY, MANY MORE. I don't want to bash them or anything, but DO NOT put your child there. Two teachers there, Ms. Pat & Ms. Yolanda are wonderful ladies....but... I'll tell you more if you want to email with me.
Sorry to jump in, but no two Montessori schools are the same. The way teachers interpret what Montessori had to say and how they relate the philosophy as well as the materials to the children is what makes the difference. There is no copyright on the term "Montessori". Anyone can say they are Montessori "inspired". Unfortunately that is frequently the case in some schools. Even teachers with Montessori certification can be very different and interpret the philosophy in different ways. Some Montessori certified teachers would not teach at many "Montessori" schools.
It is important to check out more than one Montessori school if a parent is interested. Research now shows that the outcomes of Montessori education in older students is excellent and far outweighs the outcomes academically and socially for students who were not educated in Montessori programs. Of course, that all depends on the quality of the Montessori program, just as with any other type of program.
Please do not judge all Montessori programs based on one Montessori experience or school. Children should not be wandering around or in chaos. Those are not Montessori goals. A true Montessori classroom is peaceful, happy, and the children are both respectful and purposeful. “Work Periods” should be 3 hours and there should be mixed age groups from 3 to 6 with a full complement of Montessori materials. Children should not be removed from class for ten other activities (frequently called enrichment) during the week. Montessori teachers are trained to teach art, music, etc. Foreign language should be an immersion program and not a pull out program. Children should have both individual lessons and group lessons and many spontaneous social moments with other children as well as long periods of concentration. However, children should also be able to work independently. They need a balance of both and teachers who are certified and engaged.
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